tshnkh/DSI-Africa-biomedical-data-science-competencies

Developing a competency framework for biomedical data science # DSI-Africa-biomedical-data-science-competencies # Developing a competency framework for biomedical data science Authors: Tshinakaho Malesa, Rolanda Julius, Verena Ras, Michelle Skelton, Nicola Mulder Affiliation(s): University of Cape Town, DS-I Africa Coordinating Centre, eLwazi Open Data Science Platform **Background**: Biomedical science has become data-intensive over the years and faces the challenge of a diverse range of data generated from research and clinical practice. Although data science is a rapidly growing and interdisciplinary field with dynamic standards, many competency frameworks and guidelines were developed with the commerce and business industries in mind. As such, limited frameworks exist for competencies for biomedical data science and related fields. **Approach**: Published frameworks, most notably, the ISCB Bioinformatics Competency Framework, Edison Framework and IBM Data Science Competency Framework that address the fields of data science, bioinformatics, biostatistics and clinical medicine were analysed for competencies relevant to biomedical data science. Further development of competencies included assignment of more granular details associated to each competency namely Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSAs). Relevant published literature were consulted to identify the associated model persona profiles and supplement competency details. This was followed by critical review to mitigate potential overlap in competencies and elucidate distinct persona profiles. Competencies were then mapped to personas profiles. **Findings:** An initial set of 25 identified competencies were then reduced to 19 competencies following an iterative process and consultations with relevant stakeholders, balanced to cover machine learning and biomedical science domains. These competencies were grouped into core groups such as domain knowledge, data analytics, data management, professional development and team science to represent key elements that form …